Emergence of Science Communication During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Literature Review

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the significance of effective science communication in addressing global health crises. The spread of Misinformation and ambiguity led to public frustration and anxiety, highlighting the need for transparent, credible, and easily accessible scientific information that is more pressing than ever. In light of this, the present literature review evaluates how science communication has evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the approaches, channels, and actors involved in disseminating public health messages. This review analyses 22 articles published between 2019 and 2025, using keywords such as "COVID-19", "pandemic", "science communication", and "trust" from electronic databases, including Google, Google Scholar, and PubMed, emphasising trust in scientific information, the influence of mass media, and communication challenges. The findings revealed the significant role of science communication in raising public awareness, fostering behavioral change, countering Misinformation, and promoting swift decision-making by health officials and policymakers. These insights could be crucial for government authorities, healthcare professionals, and media publishers in shaping public understanding and behaviors. However, these reviews concluded with key lessons and essential practices to guide future science communication strategies in public health emergencies.